Three suspected kidnappers killed as troops rescue Edo abduction victim

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued a 44-year-old man during a security operation in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation, conducted on October 11, involved personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters and forest guards.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, Kennedy Anyanwu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said troops of the 195 Battalion (Rear) launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence about suspected kidnappers operating in the area.

According to the statement, the security team encountered the suspects, who opened fire when they sighted the advancing troops.

“However, the troops responded decisively to counter the attack. The ensuing firefight resulted in the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of the abducted victim, identified as 44-year-old Prince Michael Akao,” Anyanwu said.

The operation also led to the recovery of three locally fabricated firearms and nine live cartridges.

Other items recovered from the suspected kidnappers included foodstuffs, two torchlights, two cutlasses, five mobile phones, two power banks, two cooking pots, three food plates, a bottle of oil, two pairs of shoes and three pairs of bathroom slippers.

The security team also recovered a head warmer, three packs of cigarettes, illicit drugs, charms, a bucket and clothing materials.

Anyanwu said the rescued man had been taken to a hospital for medical attention and was confirmed to be in stable condition.

He added that the recovered items had been handed over to the DSS Command in Igarra, while the remains of the three suspects were transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Igarra Division, for further necessary action.

The Army said the operation demonstrated its commitment to intelligence-led missions and efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.

“The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, commitment to intelligence-led operations and determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.

“It also highlights the importance of effective inter-agency collaboration in strengthening security operations and achieving sustainable results in the fight against criminality,” the statement added.

The Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage, professionalism and prompt response during the encounter.

He also praised the cooperation among the participating security agencies, noting its contribution to the successful operation.

Balogun assured residents that the brigade would sustain its offensive against kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.

He said troops would continue to carry out aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to deny criminals safe havens, protect lives and property, and provide a secure environment for farming, commerce and other legitimate economic activities.

The commander also urged members of the public to provide security agencies with timely, credible and actionable intelligence, describing public cooperation as essential to preventing crime and consolidating security gains across the state.